An introduction to political parties in Britain that examines the main parties’ individual characteristics (including policy, organization, and support) and explains the impact of smaller parties. The book identifies the functions of parties in a democracy, outlines the key characteristics of Britain’s significant parties, describes the relationships between them as a party system, and evaluates their success as democratic institutions. It follows such key themes as the factors contributing to parties’ fortunes and identities and the causes of recent changes in both.